Weekly Update 22

Hey everyone! 

First things first — videos are finally live on Volv! 🚀🚀🚀 Check out the app for this captivating clip of an ice cream that doesn't melt (even with a blowtorch!)

This week, we bring you the scoop on the 'elite 8' who officially decide when the US economy is in recession. Here's more on the story and our other top reads:

👉 The US isn't officially in a recession unless the 'elite 8' say so (1/2), (2/2)👉 No more free shipping? The golden age for online shoppers is at risk👉 Google Search and Maps? Nah, Gen Z uses TikTok and IG

Weekly Trend Report: #DataPrivacyPostRoe

🔎 States banning abortions can use online searches, text histories, and abortion-related medical data as evidence in case of an abortion or a miscarriage. 

🤳 Many users believe their information is automatically private, but most US states lack digital privacy laws. 

What's happening?

⚖️ People are deleting period-tracking apps amid fears that their menstruation data could be subpoenaed and used in criminal cases. 

🩸 Flo and Natural Cycles are building anonymous modes for users, while Stardust became the first period-tracking app to offer end-to-end encryption. 

🎭 Anonymous hackers are also hacking databases of unnamed period tracking apps and deleting potentially-criminalizing data. 

The tech sector's data privacy challenge:

💰 Tech companies unwilling to get out of the $29B user data market... are still collecting data of billions. Google, Meta, Twitter, and TikTok, have been silent on how they will handle users' abortion-related data post-Roe.

💻 A Planned Parenthood tool can be used to share users' IP addresses, approximate ZIP codes, and abortion details with Big Tech, raising concerns about abortion surveillance.

⚡ Tech companies could deter user data from being weaponized: they can stop collecting as much data, and ad brokers can stop selling it. 

Here's how you can protect your data:

🗑️ Making a data deletion request for companies is a good start. 

💵 Pay in cash for medicines and procedures, so you don't leave a digital trail.

📍 Turn off location services on your phone or leave it at home when traveling to a clinic or a protest rally. 

🕵️ Use encrypted messaging apps and a VPN when looking up sensitive search terms. 

What are lawmakers doing?

📲 The US House's 'The My Body, My Data' bill wants to create a national standard for reproductive health data collected by apps, cell phones, and search engines. 

👩 Lawmakers are looking to codify data privacy to stop personal info from being used to prosecute women.

Got any feedback? Drop it here. Have an amazing weekend!